What happens when two worlds meet? When the facts driven world of science in energy interfaces with the rhythm-centric and imagination-stimulating world of poetry and music, The result is a beautifully and masterfully woven tapestry of science and art synergizing to amplify the common message of clean energy and environmental conservation. This synergy came to life during the launch of the Green Zone at the Earth Day celebrations.
The event was headlined by the songstress Naava Grey, supported by Uncle Mark and Logose Patience, who emceed with warmth and humour. They introduced a vibrant lineup including Angel Kabera, Mitch Isabirye, Loretta Kansiime, and the Afromenco Band, all of whom delivered expressive performances that added rhythm and emotion to the celebration and launch event.
A storytelling segment provided a space for real-life experiences and innovations. Moderated by Ms. Justine Akumu of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the session featured voices from ECOCA East Africa, eBee electric bikes, Akvo International, and Zembo e-mobility. Their contributions highlighted the practical side of clean energy solutions.
To close the evening, participants gathered for cooking demonstrations using an Electric Pressure Cooker and a Solar Cooker. Volunteers stepped up to prepare meals, and the tastings that followed allowed everyone to literally get a taste of what clean cooking can offer. It was a fitting way to bring all the senses into the experience.
Key Highlights
Loretta Kansiime delivered a powerful and poetic piece titled “Mama Berna”, vividly capturing the suffocating grip of smoke in the kitchen The poem follows Mama Berna, who coughs as she cooks for her children, first with firewood and later with charcoal, only to find that the threat of smoke and soot still hangs in the air. In a powerful line, Loretta portrays the smoke and soot as the forest’s final cry, pleading for a chance to survive.
The piece ends on a bittersweet note, as Mama Berna is left weakened by decades of cooking with firewood and charcoal, enduring the constant smoke and its toll on her health. Yet, in a moment of hope, her daughter Berna discovers the electric pressure cooker while trying to recreate the same meals Mama Berna once made with love for her family. Loretta describes this moment as “heaven descending upon her kitchen,” with no smoke, no fire, just the quiet hum of clean energy, bringing an end to the cycle of harmful cooking practices. Loretta concluded with a powerful call to action, urging everyone to embrace clean cooking as a means of safeguarding both health and the environment.
To experience the full impact of “Mama Berna”, watch the video of Loretta Kansiime’s poetic performance: Watch Here
Little Martina, a Primary Five student, delivered a catchy and powerful message through song, reminding participants that we are the last generation with the chance to make a difference. She warned that a world without nature is a world without futures, and called on everyone to go green by planting trees, supporting agroforestry, and keeping plastics out of streams.
Ms. Justine Akumu informed participants that clean solutions are available within the country, with many being locally designed, manufactured, and/or assembled. She elaborated that the youth will play a pivotal role in promoting the clean cooking message, driving improvements in health, energy access, and livelihoods improvement.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The launch of the Green Zone demonstrated that a shift in approach can help deliver the same message to a broader audience through the power of human creative expression. Unlike conventional technical discussions, this approach engages people at a more personal and emotional level, making the message more relatable and memorable. It provides a fresh avenue for awareness creation, especially where formal messaging may not resonate. As such, integrating creative expression into communication strategies can enhance the impact of clean cooking campaigns as well as awareness creation and should be continually supported as a complementary method of public engagement.
